Erica Desai works in a hospital in Durham, North Carolina, specifically in a center that focuses on heart and cardiovascular issues. She is very passionate about caring for her patients and keeping them comfortable while their heart issues are treated. Many people do not understand the true importance of caring for your heart and cardiovascular system. Coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease, most commonly known as heart disease, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, limiting the function of the heart and the cardiovascular system. Heart disease is preventable, but it is important to have consistent heart care for those at risk.

The main contributors to heart disease and heart attacks are high levels of cholesterol, fat, and sugar in the blood, as well as smoking and high blood pressure. It is important to have your cholesterol levels as well as your blood pressure tested regularly as you age. If problems are detected early enough, you will most likely be able to prevent more serious heart issues through healthy eating and exercise as well as medication. It is also important to know the signs of a heart attack and what to do if one happens if you believe you are at risk for one. The most common signs of a heart attack include chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling nauseous, and feeling dizzy. If these symptoms occur, or you believe you are at risk for heart problems, it is important to go see a professional in this field, like Erica Desai and her team.

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Erica Desai is extremely passionate about volunteering, and gives her time to the American Heart Association, as well as Hindu community and youth centers BAPS, Vraj Camp, and Vallabh Youth Organization. One of her biggest passions in life is helping others, and although she does help patients through her work as a healthcare professional, she finds that volunteering allows her to have a broader positive impact on the lives of others, and to interact with people that she would not normally meet.

While many people think of volunteering as a big commitment, there are actually small ways to give your time and resources to your community, without giving up too much of your free time. If you have never volunteered before and are intimidated by the idea, starting small and working up to a bigger time commitment is often the best way to go. Often it is easiest to look for ways to volunteer through your workplace. Many workplaces offer outreach opportunities that are easy to join and are often a fun workplace bonding experience as well. If your workplace doesn’t offer this kind of volunteer opportunity, you can also look into volunteer opportunities related to your hobbies. This way, you get to do something that you love, and also help others at the same time. For example, if you are into baking or crafting, you can make your goods, and then donate them to those in need. Erica Desai loves her time spent volunteering and hopes to find more ways to volunteer in the future.
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Erica Desai may live in Durham, North Carolina, but her family hails from India, and though she may be far away from this beautiful Asian country, she still finds ways to experience Indian culture and community in the United States. Her day job in a health care center specializing in heart and cardiovascular care takes up much of her time, but in the spare time she has, she volunteers for many community organizations with Hindu principles and practices. These include the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the Vraj Camp, and the Vallabh Youth Organization. All three of these organizations promote community wellness and focus especially on enriching the lives of children and teens in the Hindu community in the area.

The BAPS is an organization that promotes spirituality, Indian culture, and social service around the world. Desai finds that working with the BAPS helps her feel connected to her culture and meet other Americans with Indian backgrounds, as well as helping others in need. She also really enjoys working with the Vraj Camp and Vallabh, both of which focus more specifically on youth activities, because she is passionate about connecting with kids and sharing the many wonderful aspects of Indian culture with them. Outside of volunteering, Desai finds many other small ways to connect with her roots. She enjoys keeping up with news in the Indian community around the world. Cooking is another one of her passions, so cooking Indian food is a fun way for Erica Desai to feel connected to her culture and her family.